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Polaris Predator 90 Review

Shopping
for a youth-model ATV can certainly be a daunting task. With dozens of apparent
makes to choose from only a few ring familiar- Suzuki/Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha,
and Polaris. Of these, the Japanese big-4 have been making a youth model ATV for
better part of a decade. However, only recently has Polaris jumped on the youth
ATV band-wagon with their 50 and 90cc Scrambler four-wheelers. And if you've
done your research you'll recognize that Polaris' Scrambler 50/90 fall into the
Asian-made category that includes Alphasports, Kasea, E-Ton, and a gaggle of
others.

The
Predator 90 share's genes with its big brother.

No doubt eager to set
themselves apart from the rest Polaris has taken their machine and significantly
improved it over the two years it has been out, to the extent that last year
they even released a 90cc Scrambler X with features that cater to the more
experienced, competitively oriented youngsters. And this year, with the debut of
the Predator 500, Polaris figured it'd be silly not to ride big brother's
coat-tails and re-skin the Scrambler X with Predator plastic. For 2003 the
Scrambler 90 and X are gone in lieu of the new Predator.

First off, it's important
to recognize the basic differences between the older Scrambler 90 (non-X)
and the new Predator 90. To give the machine better stability and cornering the
Predator was made wider and longer. This was achieved by redesigning the front
suspension A-arms to be 3/4" longer giving the front track another inch and
half more width. The rear track remained the same. Additional wheelbase was
affected by moving the spindles forward on the A-arms about 2", and by
lengthening the rear swingarm by about an inch. Overall the wheelbase has grown
by 3".

Differences between the
X and Predator include wider, squarer profile tires, a wider seat, revised
full footrest that promotes a more comfortable "toe-down" stance, and
a manual choke. Another welcome improvement is a redesigned thumb throttle that
is much easier to push thanks to a wider lever, and much less push resistance.
Young riders that seem to suffer from thumb fatigue will certainly appreciate
the improvement.

Front and rear
suspension have multi-step preload adjustments, and the front shocks have a
second set of upper mounting holes that can be used to change the shock geometry
to provide even more effective spring rate. Advertised wheel travel at
4-1/4" remains unchanged versus the older Scrambler. Drum brakes front and
back are actuated by hand levers.

Wider
stance and mean looks.

Without a doubt the most
striking aspect of the Polaris Predator 90 is the bodywork styling shared
with its bigger-bore sibling. Without a four-foot rider standing next to the
machine you'd swear you where looking at the 500. And the fit and finish of
plastic, seat, and panels are about the best out there on any mini.
Disappointingly though, the lights are decals only as the CPSC can't seem to see
the light in allowing headlights on youth ATVs. Fortunately, the rear brake
light is fully-functional.

And as far as the
engine goes, it does! Polaris has spent some effort redesigning the
cylinder-head for improved cold starting, acceleration and performance. The
occasionally problematic automatic choke has been replaced with a manual version
located on the handlebar. The Predator 90 awoke with no hesitation, and easily
revved with apparent eagerness to hunt down it's first jump which it consumed
handily with little objection.

The
Predator 90 has no problem taking to the air.

In fact, this Predator
flies well and lands confidently without much twitching- due at least in small
part to the longer wheelbase. Turns could be tackled with little concern for
two-wheeling, and the 90cc motor easily brings the back end out to add a little
excitement.

Overall, it seems Polaris
was quite successful in producing a distinctive, unpretentious machine with the
Predator 90 and has given it some bite to go with its aggressive looks. The fact
that Polaris is as recognized as the big-4 Japanese ATV OEMs, combined with its
striking looks and lively performance, is sure to move the Predator 90 to the
top of the food chain.